festive fun in manchester
There’s so much to love in Manchester this festive season. Hundreds of shops packed with gift ideas, the famous Christmas Markets, twinkling decorations and a fantastic programme of events for all the family.
The season kicks off on 10
November with the Christmas lights switch-on featuring Nicola
Roberts and Tinchy Stryder....you might need a few days to enjoy
everything the city has to offer.
Plus we have a weekend break in
Manchester up for grabs! Click here
to enter.
Non-stop shopping
Manchester is a shopper's dream
packed with gift ideas for every taste and budget. Shop for
designer gifts on King Street, New Cathedral Street, Harvey Nichols
and Selfridges or head to The Arndale for top brands including a
flagship Topshop, the world's biggest Next and a super slick Apple
Store.
For unique vintage finds head to Manchester's creative, urban
heart, the Northern Quarter. Home to countless independent fashion
stores, record shops, cafés, bars and restaurants and the world
famous Affleck's, packed with independent designers and
traders.
A short bus ride from the city centre, The Trafford Centre and
adjacent Trafford Quays Leisure Village make the ideal destination
for a Christmas shopping break. From early December, stores are
open until 11pm weekdays meaning extra shopping time, more fun and
festivities all round.
World famous festive markets
From 17 November, Manchester's Christmas Markets take over eight
picturesque locations throughout the city centre. A firm favourite
with locals and visitors, they are considered amongst the best in
Europe and draw an international crowd. The twinkling wooden
chalets selling handmade gifts and continental produce bring a
festive buzz to the city and are a great place to stop by with
friends. Indulge in a delicious hog roast with crackling or warm up
with a hot Glüwein or Bavarian beer before heading for a night out
in the city.
Exciting events
Manchester never fails to host a calendar of exciting festive
treats. The star-studded Christmas lights switch-on marks the
beginning of the season on 10 November with live performances from
very special headline acts Nicola Roberts and Tinchy Stryder and a
huge fireworks display.
In Cathedral Gardens from 3 November, The North Pole pop-up bar
brings hot cocktails and winter style to a temporary tepee. Unique
to Manchester, the bar hosts the odd DJ performance and club night
and serves delicious hot cocktails.
Also returning for Manchester's festive season is Spinningfields
Ice Rink, opening 18 November, where you can skate amongst
sparkling Christmas trees before warming up with a drink at rink
side bar - The Moose Bar. And from December Piccadilly Garden's
Family Fair is a magical world of Christmas curiosities, with
vintage fairground rides, chalet-style stalls and a Big Top
Bar.
Further information about the festive events can be
found in 'out and
about' in Manchester.
Seasonal shows
If you're fan of theatre, there is a packed programme of festive
family favourites this year including Scrooge, Dirty Dancing,
Dreamboats and Petticoats and for younger audiences there's old
favourites The Snowman, Aladdin and Red Riding Hood.
Fans of classical music will enjoy The Northern Ballet's
production of The Nutcracker at Manchester Opera House, Bridgewater
Hall's Carols by Candlelight and a series of Christmas concerts at
Manchester Cathedral and the Royal Northern College of Music.
Find out more at visitmanchester.com